Allow me to introduce an important new book: “The 18-Year Factor: How our upbringing affects our lives and relationships.”

The 18-year Factor is a way of referring to the first 18 years of life. Exploring these critical years takes us on a journey back to our childhood home. That journey allows looking closely at how the people, circumstances, and experiences of the past continue to affect our lives and relationships.

One reader offered the following review: “As someone who comes from what the author would describe as a “good family,” I appreciated the insight on how events during the most formative years of life play out in adulthood. I will certainly look back on many of Steve Cornell’s observations and proposed ‘detox’ techniques when giving counsel to others. As an active-duty military parent of pre-teens, the chapters on significant childhood disruptions gave me pause and forced me to evaluate the role my life choices are playing in my children’s 18-year factor. A worthwhile read for those with a dysfunctional past as well as anyone who interacts with people in our modern society.”

I must confess that I wrote my book partly to address a lifelong hesitation regarding Christian counseling and discipleship that does not adequately address the profound influences of the first 18 years of life. We must not offer superficial solutions but ones that respect all dimensions of life.

To reach as broad an audience as possible, I avoided the use of most explicit Christian references. In the final chapter, however, I invite readers to consider the spiritual dimension of existence and why I have chosen a Christian understanding of spirituality. (The jury has not returned with the verdict as to whether this was the best approach). I am currently working on a supplemental biblical guide for individuals and churches. This will complement the evaluations and discussion items at the end of each chapter.

The influential ACE’s (Adverse Childhood Experiences) study is an example of how the subject matter of my book is currently center stage in education and medicine. According to Dr. Robert Block, the former President of the American Academy of Pediatrics, “Adverse childhood experiences are the single greatest unaddressed public health threat facing our nation today.”

I wrote The 18-Year Factor by combining my understanding of Scripture to the findings of psychology and medicine with 35 years of counseling experience. Some of my conclusions are unexpected and perhaps unprecedented. My goal has been shaped by Proverbs 29:5 – “The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.” We need more people with the insights necessary for helping those who struggle with the ongoing effects of a difficult childhood.